Community based educational organisation Central Otago REAP is bringing speaker and author Michael Hempseed to Central this month.

His talk will cover the importance of social connection, risks of self-isolation and how to reconnect with society in times of change and uncertainty.

Michael, who holds an honours degree in psychology from the University of Canterbury, gives approximately 200 workshops on mental illness and suicide prevention each year. 

During his talk he will also share the latest research on lack of sleep and how to prevent and reduce excessive stress.

Michael's has published ‘Being a True Hero: Understanding and Preventing Suicide in Your Community’ in 2019, and two free sample chapters are online. 

The book is used by NZ Police, Fire and Emergency, general practitioners and many teachers and parents.

Michael Hempseed PHOTO: Supplied   

Michael also founded ‘Frontiers of Hope’ (FOH) in 2022, a charity offering free or lower than usual treatments and therapy for those in need.

Michael’s TEDx talk in Darwin in 2016 has been viewed more than 27,000 times online.

TEDx talks are designed for a smaller local audience as opposed to a TED talk which is aimed at a global audience.

Central residents can hear from Michael in Cromwell on May 22, 8 -10am at Cromwell Presbyterian Church (Elspeth St) and in Alexandra on May 23, 8am - 9.30am at St Enoch’s Church Lounge (12 Centennial Ave). 

The workshop includes tea or coffee and breakfast for $10 and people need to register online.

For more information contact [email protected].